Asparagus and Orange Salad with Gorgonzola
The world is a completely different place from ten years ago. Well, obviously, but it's even more obvious in the grocery aisles. Previously "rare" produce are now available all throughout the year. It's taking too long, however, for berries of all kinds to make an appearance here (for now, only fresh strawberries, and sporadically at that). Regardless of the dip in quality during the off-season, at least here in the Philippines there is a feeling of perpetual summer, which of course has its disadvantages (it is hot all the freaking time), but if it means having more food choices, then it's best to take advantage.
Speaking of taking advantage, I'll be going on a short trip to Boracay. In other words, the beach. Which I hate (the heat, the sun, the sand... Though I love marine life. And seafood). But I'm not the type to skip ever seeing a place because of my prejudices. In other words, I have to go there at least once in my life! And no, I will not return with anecdotes of debauchery. See you guys on Sunday! (Instructions follow)
I don't think I managed to achieve the full potential of this dish, however. Looking back, I shouldn't have been so timid with the dressing. To balance the fresh flavors of the asparagus and oranges, I should have made a hollandaise and melted the bits of gorgonzola cheese in it. So that's what I suggest you do instead of preparing a weak French dressing like I did.
To roast asparagus: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Trim the asparagus (bend one spear holding both ends until it breaks at a point of weakness, then cut all other spears at this point). Lay the asparagus in one layer in a baking sheet or roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a good pinch of salt and fresh-ground black pepper. Bake in the middle rack of the oven for 20 minutes.
To prepare the orange: cut a thick slice off the top and bottom. Place flat on your board and run a knife down the sides under the peel (you'll probably take a little bit of the orange). Make sure you've cut off all the white pith. Lay the orange on its side and slice into thin hexagons.
15 comments:
Dude! What kind of person hates the beach??
I bet if you lived in a cold place like I do, you'd be dreaming about the sun and beach everyday.
Enjoy your trip anyways!
(raises hand) I do! I do! I do!!! :)
I'm also not very comfortable, as I am quite doughy :p
Eew, I'm not too fond of the beach either - Too sandy.
Great looking salad - Do you get that God awful frozen asparagus too? It's actually worse than none at all.
Thanks Graeme :) I take it you like swimming pools, then, haha :)
Frozen asparagus, I haven't seen, just canned. I imagine it would be awful. Frozen produce is very inconsistent here (ironically moreso than fresh)-- usually what you can find frozen are peas, carrots, corn, broccoli (mushy and gross), strawberries (mushy too). Can never find frozen artichokes and lima beans. Can sometimes find frozen raspberries :)
I can't believe I have finally found someone who hates the beach like I do - I have always felt like a freak or something!
That salad is so colorful and delicious, Manggy!
Thanks, Patricia! Also a deterrent: I almost cannot swim. (there's an "almost" because I can float and stuff, it just takes me forever to get to where I want :)
I'm not a beach person either. I like being near the beach, though. That is, on a nice verandah sipping a caiparinha. Your salad would be nice, too.
Hee hee dp, all the beach non-likers are coming out of the woodwork :)
I had to look up what a caipirinha was, Ann, sounds perfect!
Looks good. I make a salad with oranges and asparagus, but instead of gorgonzola it has olives and pickled onions, and a sherry vinegar vinaigrette. Based on something from Fine Cooking years ago, if I remember right.
Michael
The Herbivoracious Blog
I love the beach because it's away from work.
But my idea of a beach holiday is close to Ann's. Doing nothing close to the beach. I can't swim but I'd like to get in the water too.
I guess I'm fairly lucky to have access to oranges and asparagus nearly year-round where I'm at. The salad looks delicious.
My wife and I are actually planning a Boracay trip for next summer, so I can't wait to hear how your trip goes. I do like the beach though;)
Michael, I originally used a red wine vinaigrette too, but I thought it was too flimsy :/ the olives sound like a good addition though!
Em, I would sooner take a long drive to the mountains of Baguio! Brrr!!! My kind of scene. But we shall see!
Marvin, I'll try to be nice in my assessment. WIll keep you posted, thanks!
Manggy's going to Bora! Yey! Do try to eat at Aria. Try their pizza (especially the one with salmon and pesto, and the one with thinly sliced parma ham -- I forgot the names!)... Also try their pasta (comfort food when it's too hot to frolic in the water). Other food you must try: Jonah's sandwiches and shakes, Seawind's barbecue buffet, drinks at Cocomangas! I'm so excited for you!!!
love how you beautifully presented the salad :)
I too, don't like going to the beach. It's too hot and it gives you a sticky feeling. More so, I don't know how to swim. I love staring at it though ;)
enjoy your trip :)
Aloy, I do not aim to gain 15 pounds in 2 days so I didn't go to many buffets, but I did have leftovers from Aria and Jonah's. AGAIN with the pizza!
Anne, you pinned down *exactly* how I feel about the beach. And, the salt water really stings my eyes!
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